Donati aspires to Gerrard model

Celtic fans are hoping Massimo Donati has the same sort of impact at Parkhead as fellow Italian Paolo Di Canio did more than a decade ago.

But the Hoops' latest recruit, who completed his £3million move from AC Milan this week, insists he is more interested in emulating Liverpool star Steven Gerrard.

"Obviously it is every player's dream to become the supporters' idol but it is obviously more difficult for a midfielder than a striker," he said. "My hero is Steven Gerrard and I feel that he is the model that I aspire to be and I hope to be as good as him."

He added: "In Italy, we have a different way of playing and a midfielder normally defends, that is the position they play and that is what they are expected to do. I would score only one or two goals a year in Italy.

"But here I have already spoken to the manager and he is happy for me to go ahead and attack and I am looking forward to that part of the game.

"I know that my name is not that well known here but I hope it does become well known in Scotland."

Celtic reportedly fought off strong competition from Sampdoria, Palermo and Atalanta - where Donati spent last season on loan - to land the man who cost AC Milan £10million back in 2001.

Explaining his decision to snub Serie A for Scotland, Donati said: "I had many offers from many teams, even in Italy, but I wanted to play in a team which was the same level as Milan and Celtic have such prestige.

"As soon as I arrived here I realised I had made the right decision because it has been a fantastic experience so far. The 24 hours I have been here have just been wonderful."